Visit Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is one of Yellowstone National Park's most dynamic and fascinating thermal areas. As the hottest and oldest geyser basin in the park, it features a stunning array of geothermal features, including steaming fumaroles, vibrant hot springs, and erupting geysers like Steamboat, the world's tallest active geyser. The basin's ever-changing landscape, with its vivid mineral deposits and otherworldly terrain, offers a unique glimpse into the powerful geological forces beneath Yellowstone. Boardwalks and trails allow visitors to safely explore this mesmerizing area, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

• ✓Home to Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser, which can erupt to heights of over 300 feet.
• ✓A stunning display of geothermal activity, with vibrant hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and hissing fumaroles.
• ✓Less crowded than other Yellowstone geyser basins, offering a more serene and immersive experience.
• ✓An excellent spot for photography, with dramatic colors and otherworldly landscapes.

Contact & Website

Norris Geyser Basin has been a significant thermal area for thousands of years, with Native American tribes likely aware of its geothermal activity long before European explorers arrived. Named after Philetus W. Norris, Yellowstone's second superintendent, the basin was formally explored in the 1870s during the Hayden Geological Survey. Its extreme temperatures and acidic conditions make it one of the most challenging environments for life, yet it remains a hotspot for scientific research into extremophiles and geothermal processes.

• •Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, as the basin can get very hot during midday.
• •Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trails and boardwalks can be uneven and the area lacks shade.
• •Check with park rangers for updates on Steamboat Geyser's activity—it erupts unpredictably, but seeing it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• •Stay on designated paths to protect both yourself and the fragile thermal features, which can be dangerously thin and scalding hot.

Visitors rave about the Norris Geyser Basin's raw geothermal beauty and its sense of untouched wilderness. Many highlight the dramatic colors of the hot springs and the thrill of witnessing Steamboat Geyser's rare eruptions. The well-maintained boardwalks and informative signs also receive praise for enhancing the experience.